Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

WFUV's Dennis Elsas Marks 50 Years in New York Radio


Dennis Elsas (Photo credit: Gus Philippas)
Dennis Elsas (Photo credit: Gus Philippas)

WFUV veteran air talent Dennis Elsas marks 50 years on New York radio this month, celebrating a colorful career that has stretched from his first overnight shift at WNEW-FM in July, 1971 to his present gigs at WFUV and SiriusXM. On Monday, July 12 at 2pm ET, Elsas will note the landmark anniversary during his afternoon show on WFUV with a four-hour, all-star special that includes highlights of favorite interviews with artists such as John Lennon, Elton John, and Joni Mitchell as well as songs that define the soundtrack of Dennis's radio career.

"I have been very fortunate to do what I love to do for 50 years, playing rock records on the radio," said Elsas. "I didn't know anything about the business of radio when I started out, but I knew I loved rock music. I listened closely to the pioneering New York DJs who brought me my favorite songs and told me about the artists behind them. I'm proud to continue that legacy."

In August, 2020, Elsas reached his 20-year milestone as a WFUV host, where he continues his daily shift from 2-6pm ET weekdays. He's also on SiriusXM, anchoring weekends on Classic Vinyl and co-hosting the weekly "Beatles Fab Fourum" on The Beatles Channel.

In addition to chats with John Lennon, Elton John, and Joni Mitchell, Elsas's 50th anniversary show on WFUV on July 12 will include some of his favorite conversations from the past five decades with folks like Pete Townshend, Ringo Starr, Jerry Garcia, Richie Havens, Roger Daltrey, Mel Brooks, Julian Lennon, Clarence Clemons, Grace Slick, Gregg Allman and others.

"Rock and roll never forgets a legendary disc jockey celebrating 50 years on New York radio, and neither does WFUV," says WFUV Program Director Rich McLaughlin. "Everyone at the station sends Dennis their warmest congratulations on his anniversary. We're grateful Dennis has called WFUV his radio home for more than two decades (and counting) of that time. On behalf of the millions of New York radio listeners you've reached and inspired over 50 years, thank you, Dennis, for sharing your passion and knowledge of rock music; for championing rock artists that changed our lives; and for connecting with us in an enduring, authentic, and meaningful way."

Elsas is also featured at Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's exhibit of the most influential American disc jockeys. He is the producer, co-writer, and host of a 2004 award-winning radio documentary, "It Was 40 Years Ago Today: The Beatles Invade America," which was revised in 2014 for the band's 50th anniversary of their Stateside arrival; that documentary is included in the Grammy Museum's traveling Beatles exhibit. Elsas's own multi-media show, "Rock ‘n' Roll Never Forgets," which he began in 2010, features many of his history-making interviews.

"'Rock and Roll Never Forgets' is more than just a song title to me, it's a philosophy," explained Elsas. "It sums up the relationship I have with the music and the artists, the connection I feel to my listeners, and the support I have received from them, my friends, and my family over the years."

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

Zoellner Media Group to Acquire CMG Tulsa Radio Stations
Zoellner Media Group
Zoellner Media Group
Tulsa-based Zoellner Media Group has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase all of Cox Media Group's radio outlets in Tulsa, marking the company's first major foray into local broadcasting. Terms were not immediately disclosed. Upon completion of the transaction, Zoellner Media Group will acquire More

SBS Reports 71% Surge in Adjusted OIBDA for 2024
Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS)
Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS)
Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) has announced strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, highlighted by a 71% increase in Adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (OIBDA), which reached $40.4 million compared to More

AM/FM Radio Streaming Tops Spotify, Pandora in New Study
Cumulus Media and Westwood One
Cumulus Media and Westwood One
A new analysis from Edison Research's Q1 2025 "Share of Ear" study reveals significant gains for AM/FM radio streaming, which now surpasses both Spotify and Pandora in ad-supported audio share. The findings, published by Cumulus Media | Westwood One's Audio Active Group, highlight five key takeaways that More
Advertisement

Broadcasters Foundation Sets June 18 for NYC Media Mixer
Broadcasters Foundation of America
Broadcasters Foundation of America
The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has announced the next installment of its popular Media Mixer series, set for Wednesday, June 18, from 5:30 to 7:30pm ET at iHeartMedia's New York City studios at 125 West 55th Street, 12th Floor. The event, created to connect More

MacDonald Saginaw Names Bob Lawrence as MM
Bob Lawrence
Bob Lawrence
Bob Lawrence is appointed Market Manager for MacDonald Broadcasting's radio cluster and digital properties in Saginaw, MI. He most recently served as General Manager and Market Manager for Seven Mountains Media's cluster in Parkersburg-Marietta. Lawrence joined Seven Mountains Media in May 2024 after serving More

Kim Fitz Joins Christian FM Media's TCM Network
Kim Fitz
Kim Fitz
Christian FM Media Group has announced the addition of veteran Christian radio host Kim Fitz to its syndicated "Today's Christian Music" network. Fitz will anchor the midday slot across the network's 167 affiliated stations, bringing her signature style of warmth, clarity, and uplifting content to audiences More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement